If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

To yield without conviction - Pride and Prejudice

Hi,

I have been reading the book "Pride and Prejudice" and found the following extract from a dialogue between Mr. Darcy (?) and Miss Elizabeth Bennet (?), in chapter 10, very difficult to understand.

"...Miss Bennet, that the friend who is supposed to desire his return to the house, and the delay of his plan, has merely desired it, asked it without offering one argument in favour of its propriety"
"To yield readily -- easily -- to the PERSUASION of a friend is no merit with you"
"To yield without conviction is no compliment to the understanding of either"

Could somebody please explain to me that what they are saying and in particular, how to understand the meaning of the phrases highlighted ?

Re: To yield without conviction - Pride and Prejudice

to yield = admit defeat in an argument (in this context)
conviction = being convinced (in this context)

Other words you may find difficult:

propriety = properness/adherence to society's view of the right way to behave
is no merit - today we would say 'hasno merit/value...'
understanding = rational way of thinking

Darcy disapproves of Elizabeth's readiness to pay heed to a friend's desires. Darcy had done what he 'should' do (his duty not to submit to Bingley's wishes- at least, I think that's the context - it's far too long since I re-read the book.)

Re: To yield without conviction - Pride and Prejudice

Hi Bob,

Thanks very much for the quick reply.

So, would it be correct if I "interpret" their conversation as the following ?

First, Darcy disapproves his friend, Bingley, of his doing things irrationally, (i.e. without offering one argument in favour of its propriety). Then, Elizabeth criticises Darcy that he has a desire (instead of for the good of his friend's) to change the mind of his friend, which would be selfish, if not immoral. Darcy replied to it by saying that being unconvicingly agreeing with others wouldn't be rational either.

Cheers,

Li

Originally Posted by BobK

to yield = admit defeat in an argument (in this context)
conviction = being convinced (in this context)

Other words you may find difficult:

propriety = properness/adherence to society's view of the right way to behave
is no merit - today we would say 'hasno merit/value...'
understanding = rational way of thinking

Darcy disapproves of Elizabeth's readiness to pay heed to a friend's desires. Darcy had done what he 'should' do (his duty not to submit to Bingley's wishes- at least, I think that's the context - it's far too long since I re-read the book.)